Papillion, Nebraska: natural disaster risk
How exposed Papillion is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Sarpy County.
Papillion is a city of 25,244 people in Sarpy County, Nebraska. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Sarpy County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are tornado, inland flooding and cold wave, with about $80.3 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 538 storm reports in the county since 1957, including 15 tornadoes and 43 floods. About 0.9% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Sarpy County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Papillion
Full Sarpy County report ›- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | $29M | |
| Inland flooding | $24M | |
| Cold wave | $7M | |
| Hail | $6M | |
| Strong wind | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Lightning | $792K | |
| Wildfire | $737K | |
| Winter weather | $531K | |
| Drought | $302K | |
| Earthquake | $104K |
Homes in Papillion
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Sarpy County
More cities in Sarpy County
Common questions about Papillion
Is Papillion safe from natural disasters?
Papillion is in Sarpy County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are tornado, inland flooding, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Papillion?
By expected yearly losses in Sarpy County, the top hazards are tornado (High), inland flooding (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Sarpy County has been part of 23 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Papillion get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 15 tornadoes in Sarpy County since 1950; the strongest was an F4 tornado on May 6, 1975. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Papillion?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Sarpy County, about 0.9% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.